FRIENDS SOCIETY

Once a friend always a friend

INVOLVE
Issue No. 51

YEAR 2013-14

GIRDHAR VASWANI : The Mind, Body and Soul of FS

It is an inherent quality of the human mind to try and
find the purpose and meaning of its existence, many a
mind take solace at giving back to the society and thus
the flag of social service is kept high and flying.
Friends Society (FS), through its existence of more
than four decades, has had the privilege to have in its
family people who have made contributions through
which they left an indelible mark on our society.
Amongst them, a name that glitters like a bright star is
none other than our beloved late Girdharbhai
Vaswani a father figure for many, and a guiding light
for us all.
In 1969, Girdharbhai was one of the three students
who decided to cheer up the inmates of the Mental
Hospital, School for Blind and Home for the Crippled
children in Baroda. This was in answer to rising
violence among student community at that time.
Realising the importance of such work, Friends
Society (FS) was established so that such activities
could be conducted in an organized way. Girdharbhai
was one of the founder members of FS.

Girdharbhai was a great leader in the true sense. He

motivated the members of Friends Society to be
involved in constructive service activities during their
leisure time. He nurtured FS and also guided the
dedicated volunteers.
An ardent believer of the ideal, A leader should
hardly be visible, he worked hard, without any
desire for personal publicity or to gain credit for
himself . He believed in optimum use of resources and
was against its unplanned depletion. He strongly
propagated training of volunteers so that they could
be moulded into good leaders. People still remember
how Girdharbhai used to counsel volunteers which
left them immensely motivated. Give them wings to
fly he used to tell his peers in FS. He believed in the
power of youth and in channelizing it for the service
of society.

Girdharbhai's entire career was dedicated to social

service. He started with Teaching at Faculty of Social
Work, M.S. University in 1969. During those days he
also worked as a Coordinator of the National Service
Scheme. An organization V-One, which is an offshoot of Friends Society, was established for the
comprehensive rehabilitation of the differently abled people. Girdharbhai with his vast experience
helped build up VOne society. From 1974 to 1984,
he was part of GSFC where he rendered his
professional services. He managed the thin line
between professional service and voluntary service
with remarkable skill. In the year 1984 he joined as
the Executive Director of Baroda Citizens Council
(BCC), at a time when BCC was sinking and
Girdharbhai proved to be its savior by reviving it.
Immensely inspired by the United Way of USA, he
co-founded the United Way of Baroda (UWB), an
umbrella organization for social service
orgainisation. It was Girdharbhai's brainchild to start
the now very-popular United Way Garba, as a tool for
fund raising. He continued to work till the year 2000
as Executive Director of both BCC and UWB.

Giridharbhai has been aptly described as the Head,

Heart and Hands of FS. With his far-reaching vision
and his Speak less and work more approach, FS
flourished and reached great heights of glory. He
inspired the university students to get involved in FS
activities and encouraged the volunteers to develop
new ideas and innovative programs for the benefit of
the disadvantaged section of society. As a result, FS is
well-known for its development programs which
also help FS volunteers through its motto
1

Self Development through Service. Giridharbhai's

dedication and sincerity has inspired the FS
volunteers to contribute selflessly to society. Today
many FS volunteers have fond memories of
Girdharbhai who had motivated and mentored them
in their youth. Their experience as FS volunteers has
helped them become sensitive and socially
responsible citizens. He has touched the hearts of all
those who have known him.

amongst us through his ideals, principles, teachings

and contributions. His generosity continued even
after death as he donated his eyes enabling sight to
those in need. It was his heartfelt desire to see that a
book on Friends Society is published. The book is
now in progress. He has left a void which will be very
difficult to fill, but he will remain in our hearts and
will continue to inspire us to carry forward his work
and ideals.

After 30 years of service to Baroda he went to USA,

but he continued to remain in touch with FS, advising
and guiding it. He was known for his strong will and
grit which could not be bowed down even by
th
Parkinson's disease. On 26 July 2013, our beloved
Girdharbhai left us for his heavenly abode but he lives

Bright rays from you, still touch us..like that from the
Sun
In midst of the fierce lifes Run
You let us..let our.. Thoughts free.
Felt the calmness as under the shades of a Banyan

GUNJ : The Melody of Happiness

FS campus vibrates with "Gunj" in the New Year of 2014. January 4th evening was lively at FS campus with
melodious songs by physically and visually challenged persons. January 4 is the 205th birth anniversary of
Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille, a system of reading and writing for the blind and visually impaired. Rich
tributes were paid to Louis Braille on this occasion.
The evening was graced by the presence of well known
personalities in the area of Arts Dhirubhai Mistry
(Director of Short & Documentary films), Kaushikbhai
Mistry (Playback singer), Vatsala Patil (Playback
singer) and above all revered Shri Pankaj Goswami
(Playback singer and closely associated with Vaishnav
Haveli). The program received wide press coverage in
The Times of India and Divya Bhaskar

Income Generation Group

The Community Development Cell of Polytechnic College organized Demonstration
on 20.06.2013 on Low cost Solar Cooker and Solar water bottle bulb for the
beneficiaries of Income generation group

KUTCH CAMP : Self-development-cum-Sightseeing Camp

Self Development-cum-Sight seeing Camp for

secondary-level school children of Baroda Lions
School (BLS), Alkapuri & Baroda High School
(BHS), Alkapuri was organized in Kutch from Dec.
19th to 22nd, 2013. This camp was conducted under
our activity, Program for Future Leaders (PFL),
through which we enable school children develop
into socially responsible, effective and efficient
leaders of tomorrow. The idea is to develop selfconfidence, decision making and communication
skills and team building spirit among children.
Total no. of Children : 89
BHS
Boys
36
Girls
20
Total
56

Tw o l u x u r y b u s e s w e r e a r r a n g e d a n d
accommodation arrangements were made at Shri
Swaminarayan Vishranti Bhuvan, Bhuj. For efficient
handling of the camp, various responsibilities were
divided among the volunteers. On the opening day,
'Ice breaking session' was conducted, where children
were informed about FS and objectives of the camp.
Thereafter, they were divided in to six groups for the
further sessions and one volunteer was allotted to
each group. Subsequently a visit was organized to
'Indo-Pak Border'. Second day started with a game
'Aim like Arjun', which taught them how to improve
their decision-making ability. This was followed by
visit to Swaminarayan Mandir, Prag Mahal and
Mandvi beach. On the concluding day, the group
visited 'Rann of Kutch'.

BLS
17
16
33

Republic Day celebration 26th January, 2014

In Conversation with Friends Icon- Haider Ali

I used to love reading books and still I do, in fact I was
a voracious reader.
F.S: Any suggestion to today's parents:
H.A. After completing my graduation I came for
M.Sc. to MSU and I came across a poster of FS. On
the very 1st day I was asked to join Youth Club group.
Soon I realized that Youth Club was a very special
group, required lot of dedication, regularity and
minimum recognition in short term but provided an
opportunity to influence young mind in huge way. In
school, teachers can teach the subjects but through
Youth Club we can remove inferiority complex of the
beneficiaries born out of adverse social & economic
conditions to feel them worthy and proud of
themselves. Today many of the beneficiaries of Youth
Club are in government services, managers in private
firms and successful businessman. Today when they
say Without FS and Haider Sir, we might be
sweeping the street I am overwhelmed with sense of
satisfaction. I believe Youth Club is a tool for
changing the lives of those who need it the most.

Friends Society had the privilege of having a lot of

gems in its crown. Through this section we bring to
you an interaction with such a gem, whose relentless
efforts helped FS to get the name it has today. In this
edition we bring you Interview with Haider Ali
Saiyed.
FS:-In the very beginning FRIENDS would like to
know about Haider Ali's childhood:

This is the group where any volunteer can work single

handedly and do what he wants, as I was the only
volunteer in 1st year at FS in this group. Believe me,
even if you can change life of single child it will be
greatest satisfaction of your life. Youth Club at FS
provides this very important opportunity.

HA- I was a very curious child, eager to be a part of

and lead in activities, mingle with people and make
friends. I was the eldest son and in fact this had a lot to
do with my maturity. Due to his government service
my father was frequently transferred and thus I had to
th
change around 9 schools and 3 mediums till 11
standard. Today parents are very reluctant to change
schools; I would like to confidently say that changing
so many schools had no negative impact on me rather
it helped me to learn new things, know different
people and made me open minded.

FS: In one sentence what advice you can offer to our

young volunteers.
H.A Yes I have a piece of advice that is Don't take
advice & 'Do whatever pleases you but never do
something that makes you feel guilty

Contribution of Friends Society towards Community Development

and empowerment over the long term

Created awareness in the area of voluntary blood

donation among students
Conducted vocational training & rehabilitation of
physically & mentally challenged and slum
children. Many of our beneficiaries have won
prizes at National level competitions & started
their own small business.
Created healthy reading habits among residents in
and around Fatehgunj community.
Lighted up the lives of physically & mentally
challenged children residing in Government
Institutions
Conducted activities to meet the educational
needs of pre-school age socially-economically
disadvantaged children.

Provided health care and appropriate nutrition

counseling to pregnant-lactating women and
young children of adjacent slums.
Provided vocational training to young ladies from
adjacent slums.
Helped school children develop their talents to
become future leaders.
Above all, many of our past members, at various
places in India & abroad, continue to work
voluntarily with under-privileged sections of the
society, along with their professional and family
life.

Sahiyari Mela organized by Friends Society (12/13/14 August 2013)

Showcase greetings cards and pen stands prepared by our special needs children along with readymade
chaniya cholis, bags, jewellery and other handicraft items made by our Sewing class girls.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Report on progress of beneficiaries
Visit
Home
Medical
Education at Special School
Education at General School
Vocational Training
Self-employed at Home
Job outside Home

There are many components that define a Sunday School.

But at Friends society we see it as the up-bringing of mentally
challenged children.

Visit status
Completed Pending
04
22
05
16
00
15
00
03
05
07
00
02
00
04

th

Independence Day celebration -15 August 2013

Kamati Baug Picnic and Youth Club Activities

Christmas celebration 25th December, 2013

DONATIONS
Friends Society is thankful to 68 Individuals for collectively contributing Rs. 7,11,761/- in the year 2013-14.
Friends Society also expresses its gratitude to the three Funding Agencies which have collectively contributed
Rs. 5,65,614/- in the year 2013-14. We acknowledge below all donations of Rs. 5000/- and above.
Donation by FS members
Sr.
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Member

Sr.
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Amount

Gowri Aunty
125000
Dr. Chetan Shah
100000
Dr. Jayendra Patel
62443
Dr. Bhagwan Zanzurukiya 40000
ShaileshVenkatesh
25000
Sharad Bhatia
25000
Seema Nambiar
20000
Ankur Dhami
15000
Ami Patel
11500
Haiderali Saiyed
10000
Kanchan Zanzurukiya
10000
KamleshVaishnav
10000
Sujeet Prabhu
7500
Navinder Bedi
6000
Shailesh Das
6000
Dr. Supreet Prabhu
6000
Anuj Agrawal
5000
Dr. Rajul Desai
5000
Dr. Sagun Desai
5000
Sujay Soni
5000

Well Wishers
Narayan Powertech, Padra
Harit Bhatt
Harjit Singh
Dr. Rahul Thakkar
Kumud Bhatt
Devendra Surti
Surendrasingh Pathania
Bakul Joshi
Mahendra Patel
Shambhu Singh
Earth Enterprises

Amount
81500
20000
10000
5100
5000
5000
5000
5000
5000
5000
5000

Donation by Funding Agencies

Sr. Funding Agency
Amount
No.
1 FACES, Germany
390614
2 Alpha Foundation, Vadodara
150000
Shroff
Family
Charitable
Trust
3
25000
We also acknowledge Donation in kind
from our various members & well wishers

Balwadi Picnic

Friends Society - A Family

Voluntary Blood Donation Camps conducted in the Year 2013-14

Date
17.08.13
28.08.13
17.09.13
17.09.13
06.12.13
27.12.13
14.02.14
19.02.14
28.03.14
10.04.14
20.06.14

Venue

No. of Units
Collected
7
35
15
28
38
71
32
35
91
25
25

Arihant Cartons, Bajwa

E-Tech, Gorwa
Ayurvedic College, Panigate
Faculty of Tech. & Engg., MSU
S.P. Hall (Boy's Hostel), MSU
Narayan Powertech, Padra
Faculty of Tech. & Engg., MSU
E-Tech, Gorwa
Du-Pont, Savli
Faculty of Science, M.S.U.
Yog Niketan, Fatehgunj

TOTAL

402

Established on : August 15, 1969

Regn. No. under 'Societies Registration Act'
Regn. No. under 'Bombay Public Trust Act'
Regn. No. under 'Foreign Currency Regulation Act'

: Gujarat/351/Vadodara
: Baroda / F-109
: 001960029

Permanent Account No. (PAN)

Tax Deduction Account No. (TAN)

: AAATF0312Q
: BRDF00143D

I.T. Exemption for Donors

under Sec. 80G of I.T. Act

: BRD/A.A.-I/HO/80G/(110)(89)/2008-2009
td. 17.12.2008, Valid 01.04.2009 onwards

FRIENDS SOCIETY
Petit Library,
Opposite Parsi Agiyari,
Abbas Tyabji Road,
Fatehgunj,
Vadodara 390 002.

Tel. No. 0265 - 2750629

E-mail : friends.society.vad@gmail.com,
: jaya.anuj1@gmail.com
Web : www.friends-society.org